2017

Description

Looking for long term helpers/ au pair and/or builders :)

We are a Dutch family running a organic farm at Rotella since 2011, close to the beautiful city of Ascoli Piceno in the Marches. The crops we commercially grow are saffron, raspberries and we work on seed production.
We have 2 children, Mels (a 9-year old chap) and Filippa (a 6-year old lady). Their dad, Caspar, enjoys working in the field but he also loves cooking, a.o. with saffron! He is sometimes asked as a chef for events, groups or workshops cooking with saffron and is developing a product line with saffron. Next to that he also loves to re structure the farm with things that are already there. Their mum, Anne, also loves to work on the land, enjoys cooking vegetarian/vegan meals and she teaches yoga locally and organizes yoga events. Lots of things going on where a helping hand is more than welcome!

At the moment we are looking for someone who would like to immerse in Italian country life, staying with us for a longer period helping out with kids, household and veggie plot.

Type of help

Help

As you can imagine there's a lot to do at the farm. We planted saffron bulbs and will have a harvest in October and November each year. We pick the saffron flowers by hand and then dry the stigmas (the actual saffron ) directly afterwards. So a hand (or more) is more then welcome in that period!

Next to saffron we grow raspberries and coltivate vegetables for seed. All organically, so lots of manual work there in weeding, mulching, and in summer there are weeks of almost daily harvest of raspberries. Next the professional crops we grow as much as possible our own veggies and herbs. We love cooking with what we have and make meals to be as delicious as possible, to have a relaxed and nice time at the table. If you would like help with the household and cooking and the kids during holiday's it's also much appreciated!

We started on restructering the farmhouse and it's buildings. We try to recycle and re use a lot so if you're interested in eco building and lifestyle, come out to experience, share, learn and help. In winters we cook on a woodstove which also heats the water. Chopping wood is one of the daily tasks at that point. If you decide to apply, please let us know your preference (what would you like to do and also what not).
We have two lovely dogs, cats and chickens.

Languages spoken

Dutch, Italian, English, German, French

Accommodation

We have two spare bedrooms (with a view!) and we're willing to share the rest of the house with you. Because it's an old farm house life is still very simple. We have a woodstove to cook on which also heats the radiators in the house and hot water. It's basic but we do have a wifi connection. We cook as organically as possible from our own vegetable garden and mainly plants (aka vegan). We always take time to prepare and enjoy our food. If you like to cook, we're also very interested to learn your cuisine!

What else ...

Those who would like to help us are basiclly welcome all year round. We prefer people to stay with us for a longer period (at least a month), but other suggestions are welcome.

During the weekends and/or other spare time you can visit lovely hilltop villages like Offida, Montalto, Montedinove and the splendid Ascoli Piceno. Since we consider you as part of the family you're welcome to come with us on family outings.
We have mountainbikes that you can use to cycle up our beautifull Monte Ascensione. Or you can simply hike up there, visiting an old santuary as you pass by. Looking forward to meet you!

A little more information

Internet access

Limited internet access

We have pets

We are smokers

How many Workawayers can stay?

More than two

Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

You can have a taste of Italian and Dutch culture mixed up. We are well integrated so if you speak a bit of Italian you can immerse yourself in Italian lifestyle even more at dinner parties, meeting up with our friends etc. or maybe join me win an Italian yoga class that I teach. International culture as well as we hosted a lot of volunteers from all over the world so we are lucky to be taught a lot via our visitors about food, music, habits etc. And we are interested in yours as well!

Volunteering hours expected

5 hours, depending on the activities related to the season

Photos

My Photo Album

Feedback

Dear Thomas, it was great having you one summer with us! We had a very good time with you; enjoying your help, friendliness, conversations and many more. We very much appreciated your positive view on life, your broad interest in things and your knowledge of growing organic veggies! Also your energy spend on the field, planting saffron bulbs by… read more hand and playing with the kids. Hope to share something in the future again! hugs from Cas, Anne, Mels and Pip

Fleur and Gregory are amazing people. The helped me at a period that Cas wasn't around because of work elsewhere and were a great help for me. Next to the helping hands they offered generously, we had very nice conversations, they made a video about the saffron, showed me the art of matcha tea and shared yoga workouts in the grass with me! Also… read more with the kids they are great. I sincerely hope to meet again, thankfully to get to know you in the first place. All the best and a big hug from all of us.

Our first experience at Anne's house was super great! We got the chance to live in a beautiful and charming place in the middle of the nature, we learned a lot, eat super healthy and good food and also got the chance to meet a super sweet family and a wonderful woman! Thank you Anne for everything, for the festivals, the visiting in the farms, the… read more nice conversations together, the good food and the beautiful safran tarte tatin dessert! Thank you all for everything and we wish you the best !

My work here on the farm was absolutely (without exaggeration) the most raw and unique experience of my life. I had no idea what to expect as I had never done anything like this volunteer work before, and honestly it was a lot more arduous and time consuming than I expected (dependent on time of year - I was there during saffron season). With… read more that said, BECAUSE this family is so invested in keeping volunteer's experiences as memorable and upbeat as possible - I came home yearning to do it over and over and over, and to keep trying opportunities like this one. I am so thankful for everything I took away from my stay on the farm. I have never learned so much about myself in such a short period of time, and that is the main reason I traveled in the first place ... success!! xoxoxo and thank you. I hope to see you all again!

Mega Meigan is the best volunteer you can have, she is always cheerful and positive. Shares if she has any concern and is willing to make the best out of every situation. She is really great to have around, not only for her unstoppable work energy but also for her awesome pictures that she makes. We were given these beautiful pictures to use where… read more ever we want. Isn't that awesome, well thats Meigan! Thank you sweet heart for visiting our family!

Martin, nostro angelo! What a great guy, he has a lot of skills, especially eco building, and he has a great spirit! Working hard and very neatly, cleaning up before and after, planning ons his own thinking trough before beginning. Its clear that this guys build his own house from scratch with all recycled materials and he is willing to share ot… read more with the world. His presence at the farm brought also laughter, singing and music, since he plays the guitar and sings! What can we say other then please visit us again! Big hug from your Dutch family in Italy!

My friend and I worked for Anne and Cas for two weeks this summer. I learned a great deal about what life's like working on a farm. Be prepared you might have to work long hours, but the work is very rewarding. I enjoyed getting to know Anne, Cas, and their children! Thank you for everything and I hope all is well on the farm ;). To future… read more volunteers: if you like to work outside in the most beautiful province in Italy, this is the place to be!

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

19/01/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Margriet)

Our last minute Dutch girl, together with Jette, when we didn't have help and a lot to do they were there and did it with us. It was very nice working together and having an update on Ducth young people lifestyle :). Out going, friendly and helpful! Thank you for everything!

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

08/02/2016

Left by Workawayer (Jette) for host

We were so happy Anne and Caspar had a place for us so last-minute. Despite the hard work and very early mornings we learned so much about the farm life and Italian habits and culture from our fellow Dutchies. As cheese and meatlover it was refreshing to eat vegan for two weeks and I particularly loved the never-ending supply of figs and tomatoes!… read more Casper and Anne are open-minded and were willing to take us to places and friends in order to show Italy and Italian culture.

Nog bedankt voor alles en groetjes uit Nederland!

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

19/01/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Jette)

This other pretty Dutch girl helped us out last minute and it was great having them around when there was stuff to do! Thank you for harvesting with us and biting the dust :) (remember the basil seeds ;)) All the best and greetings from the crazy Dutch family.

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

20/01/2016

Left by Workawayer (Severina) for host

I spent 3 unforgivable weeks in this family feeling really home! It was an amazing experience, it inspired me so much and let me see the world from a new prospective.
To all potential workawayers: do not hesitate and if you have a possibility, help this family and you'll never regret :-)
Hope to return back some day.
Cheers from snowed… read more Münster,
Severina

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

19/01/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Severina)

Severing was a joy to have around, she is enthusiastic (a lot) about a lot of things, interested and willing to learn. Like a little girl in a candy shop she ran around at the farm and in the kitchen. mazed by all the good stuff delicious nature is giving us :). Thank you very much for your help, inside (a.o. painting) outside (harvesting,… read more weeding, digging) and your fresh look on things, arrivederci!

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

19/01/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Elzahn & Niel)

We just had the best time with these two lovely people! It was so much fun together, sharing life at the diner table and the help was much appreciated, both full of positive energy and willingness to help out. Creative to find own solutions using work and in crafting wonderfully with the kids. We sincerely hope to see you again some day in the… read more future, in the meanwhile all the best and stay in touch!

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

19/01/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Chloe & Thibault)

Another great couple that helped us out last summer. Serious, polite, thankful and cheerful are words that come into my mind when i think of these two lovely human beings. We are very grateful to have you visit our farm and helping us out and sharing your ideas and experience in life with us. Wishing you all the best and more and welcome if you… read more are around. Hugs and love from Rotella

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

19/01/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Gert)

Thank you Gert for helping us out last summer. It was a pleasure having you around, being a quite presence and knowledgeable and energetic as it comes to work. I hope you find you dream soon, i think you already live it! Greetings from all four of us

Dear Carla, thank you for helping us out during our busy harvest period. You were a sister, mom and friend in all. Thank you for sharing your story and knowledge with us and of course thank you for your unstoppable help. You have it, know it! All the best and a hug from your saffron family!

(Excellent
)

19/01/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Jamie)

This girl from New York adapted very quickly to the rural farm lifestyle in the midst of our saffron harvest. She was plunged into a room with other volunteers and in the beginning a bit shy blossomed open like a beautiful flower, which she is! She's funny and very willing to help out, during long harvest hours and experimenting in the kitchen. We… read more all very much appreciated her presence and its great to read you find yourself a way to Israel and discover more about life. Thank you from your saffron family!

Sarah was very nice to have, she is quite but when she feels comfortable she can be funny as well! She likes to experiment in the kitchen and thats's a great thing. She was very sweet and creative with the kids and dedicated with the work. Sarah is also a person that thinks along with you and we appreciated that very much. Thanks again cara!

Stella is a star to have around, good spirited and fun. Gives a lot and should take care of herself sometimes ;). She was great to have around, especially as there where a lot off us, Stella made conversation always! Helping out with the saffron harvest which was sometimes until late night and then still partying on wine making parties, interested… read more in every aspect of life! Also helping out in the house and with the kids, as being part of our family. Wish have a lot more happy travels alone, with people you meet during your travels (Stella hooked up with a.o. her American roomy she met at the farm to travel more the world), or together with Loek!

(Excellent
)

25/08/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Vanessa Gabriele & Lisa)

Vanessa!!! thank you for your great words! we think fondly of you as well and really liked your attitude and calmness in life. Discovering nightlife with the youngsters from Rotella and thoroughly clean the kitchen, even behind the stove! Different qualities that you don't find in any workawayer!! thanks again and all the best! hugs from us four!

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

10/07/2015

Left by Workawayer (Vanessa Gabriele & Lisa) for host

Anne, Caspar, Mels and Filippa,

First of all, I'm sorry for leaving a feedback that lately! I hope you're all good and you're enjoying summer in hot Italy! :)

Well, how should I start describing my absolutely great second experience on workaway?
I stayed with this lovely and warm-hearted family for three weeks in the month of February… read more 2015 and I will for sure never forget this incredible and inspiring time at their farm! Due to their numerous experience with former volunteers, they knew very well how to make life comfortable and enjoyable with a complete stranger! Big respect to you for opening your hearts and life every time for your foreign helpers and making them feel like home and a part of the family! There was always work to do at the farm, but due to the season, we had enough time to get to know each other, exchange our views on life and share great vegan meals! I've learned so much about organic gardening and farming and enjoyed every moment I got to spend with the kids or at Annes' yoga class! They took me to all local events (for example carnival, where the whole village-community was super open-minded and lovely to me, too!) and even to gatherings with their friends, which helped me to get to know the Italian culture and language much better! (Domenico even started to speak English with me after a glass of red wine! haha. I wonder if he has started hosting some of your volunteers via couchsurfing!!)

All in all, I have to say that it was a great experience, during which I've learned a lot about Italy, organic farming and especially about myself! Thank you for letting me be a part of your family and your lifes! I think of you and our time together very often and I hope to see you again at one point in life!

Yannic and Duna, you are wonderful! Although it’s been a while we still think of you a lot, all the work that's been done by you, we eat from it now, the best there is! Also taking care of the land and helping inside our house. I enjoy every morning when I open my eyes our painted bedroom! Then the natural cosmetics I made with Duna, for so long I… read more wanted to do and she made my dream come true! She is great in explaining how to make soap, facial crèmes, tooth paste etc. Yannic is a working machine, never stopping and full of initiative. We, including the kids had a very good time sharing life and learning from each other. Thank you so much for everything!

We had the pleasure to stay for about two months together with this amazing family!
Casper, Annemieke and the kids are the kindest people you would ever wish to meet. Our stay with them has made our trip in Italy an unforgettable experience. We learned a lot. Not only working inside and outside and up and down but mostly on a human level. We will… read more never forget the fantastic moments we shared with them. Thank you very much for everything! Yannic & Duna

(Excellent
)

27/01/2015

Left by Workawayer (Queralt) for host

Hi family! Sorry for writing you so late.

I would like to leave here some words to summarize my experience with Anne, Caspar, Pipa and Mels, and also to make you (family) think of me :)
During one month and a half I had de pleasure to live with them in their farm. My experience was rewarding because I learned a loooot of things related to… read more organic livestyle, organic farming, vegetarian and organic food, cooking delicious meals...
I have to say that we worked a lot because our stay coincided with the peak of saffron flowers and as Anne and Caspar said I was a crazy year because there were so many flowers every day. However, we always keep working as a team and at the end it was really nice.
I also meet a lot of new people because they usually have more than one workawayer at the same time, which is also fantastic.
Anne and Caspar brought as to many festivals (Chestnuts festival, Tartufo Festival, Mela Rosa Festival...) and to many parties. That gave us the oportunity to meet some local people.
The sorrounding area is wonderful and the people is kind and hospitable.
My expercience was great and I recommend everybody to stay with them for some time.
A big hug for all of you family.

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

28/07/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Taylor & Heather)

It was great having these two high spirited people over for almost 3 months! We worked very well together, Taylor has a lot of insight and often already did something urgently to be done before we asked. Heather is always cheerful and curious to learn and work. Living together in a small place and sharing everything can be very strenuous but with… read more them it felt easy and no problems arose. Expect maybe for mispronouncing words during charades :)!

If you ever need a reference don't hesitate, we can highly recommend you both! A huge thank you again and will see you guys again! Big hug from all four!

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

26/07/2014

Left by Workawayer (Taylor & Heather) for host

Oh the life that we spent on Anne and Caspar's good ole' "zafferano e lampoon (plus a bit more)" farm was absolutely marvelous! From working with our hands to enjoying the delicious meals made by Anne every afternoon (as well as her bread); every moment spent with this family was spectacular.

There is so much to do on the farm but in return… read more there is a lot to learn, especially about organic farming. We recommend that you spend more than 2 weeks here to get the FULL experience because the surrounding culture is worth immersing yourself in to as well. Rotella/the Ascoli Piceno area is full of the most hospitable Italian people, farm fresh food, and better yet very delicious wines that you can buy by the liter!! What more is there to ask for?!

All in all, the farm makes you appreciate the simpler thing in life that sometimes in this day and age we tend to forget....if you choose to come here than do so with an open mind and an open heart and you will be blessed. Taylor and I will never forget our time spent here.

xx

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

18/03/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Balint)

Thank you dear Balint, you are a special person, devoted and smart. Keep up the writing and i wish you the very best for your future. hope you will find your passion! un abbraccio da tutti noi!

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Very good
)

25/02/2014

Left by Workawayer (Balint) for host

I had three nice weeks with Anne, Cas, Pip and Mels. They're one of the most beautiful families I have ever met, and that's a big word. They live and share very nice life and hard work, making their dreams real. Being handled as part of the family is meant literally here, which is great! It was nice to be with you even if for just a short time!… read more Thanks for all!

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Very good
)

18/03/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Daniel)

Dear Daniel and Anna, it's been a while but i wanted to let you know, i finished painting the kids cupboard! (a while ago off course) but never got to give you your well deserved feedback; it was great having you, your help, your knowledge and fun. Hope everything is turning out good for you guys in the far away country, maybe we cab workaway one… read more day at your farm! Tanti auguri!

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

13/01/2014

Left by Workawayer (Daniel) for host

We spent two weeks working with Anne and Casper and enjoyed every minute of it in their beautiful little part of Italy. We were treated very fairly, learned a bit and had lots of laughs! We really enjoyed working with and hanging out with other workawayers too. Thanks very much and all the best!

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

18/03/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Laura)

Laura is lovely girl who seems very quite but has lots off humor! She was a very good help and flexible in our busy harvesting shedule. Thank you for your help, flexibility, fun and shining your light in our home! Hug from all four!

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

18/12/2013

Left by Workawayer (Laura) for host

I stayed four weeks at the farm in September. It was such an interesting experience. At the beginning we were just 2 workawayer. At the end we lived with 16 people. Definitely a crazy lifestyle but it was nice that there are always so many nice people around. We enjoyed joining the local “festivals” or walking together to the next bar after a hard… read more working day. Yes, we worked a lot, because an organic farm is always labor intensive but in return we always had delicious food with “delicious nature” vegetables and fruits.
We got wonderful tattoos. Thank you, Mels! We learned a lot about fashion. Thank you, top model Filippa! Now we know that wine is cheaper than milk. Thank you, Anne! And we did a very very very interesting trip to the olive-man. Thank you, Caspar!

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

18/12/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Olivia)

Libby helped us for a week together with Gracie. Two wonderful girls that i'm happy to have met, as is was only for a week. They both did a great job helping out with the harvest, in which Libby had a powerful presence in a vey modest way. Great in the kitchen (inspiring chocolate chili sin carne!) Lovely and patient with the kids. Thank you again… read more and hopefully our roads cross again. Anyway always more very welcome on the farm!

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

07/12/2013

Left by Workawayer (Olivia) for host

I spent a week volunteering here during the saffron harvest earlier this year, along with lots of other volunteers, and had a wonderful time. Myself and my friend Gracie were sleeping outside in a tent because all the rooms were full, but luckily the weather was great and we made in very cosy with lots of yoga mats and sleeping bags. I really… read more enjoyed waking up at sun rise to go into the fields and pick the saffron flowers. I also really liked de-stigmatizing and working in the walnut factory. On our second day there we made a raw apple pie with the fresh walnuts and it was a great success. Mels and Filippa are such great kids and very entertaining! Gracie and I made a trapeze which we hung from the walnut tree and everyone had lots of fun playing on it. We also taught Anne and Caspar some acrobalance but discovered that Anne needs a new pair of slightly longer arms. During our stay there was a journalist and photographer from the Dutch Jamie Oliver magazine writing an article about the farm, so at one point we had 18 people around the dinner table. All the food was amazing and we were very lucky to have Caspars delicious Risotto alla Milanese not once but twice! Anne, Caspar, Mels and Filippa are such a great family and I had a wonderful time sharing this week with them. I miss you all and hope to come back to visit again someday. Lots of love from Berlin and big hugs to you all!

This energetic butterfly came and help us together with her dear friend Libby for a week during harvest. We normally do not take people to help for just such a short period but i'm very happy that in the end this time we did and we had these wonderful girls during one of the busiest weeks in saffron harvest time. Gracie is a wonderful person, with… read more lots of energy and ideas. Great to have around, easy and loving. Sincerly hope to see you girls again and (a.o.) extend our acro yoa practice! Thank you for sharing some of your tricks with us!

I spent only a week with the delightful family, but it was one of the best experiences of my life. Cause it was the harvest there was Alot of us and it truely felt like one big family. We spent the morning picking the safrron flowers and destigmitzing them in the lab it was lovely work and then jobs like cracking walnut and gardening in the… read more afternoon. The surrondings are beautiful and theres lots of cute villages nearby to visit. I learnt a lot of life lessons from Anne and had great fun playing with Melz and Pip, and throughly enjoyed Cass's great cooking. I hope to see you all again someday! Thank you for such a wonderful time

(Excellent
)

12/12/2013

Left by Workawayer (Isabel & Thomas) for host

Dear Anne Cas Mels and Pip

Thank you for sharing your home with us. It was the perfect start to our workaway experience, challenging in the beginning but fully rewarding by the end. I loved reading stories to the kids and Tom misses his Goat ladies a lot! Thanks for the interesting conversations and all the delicious food. Hope you are enjoying… read more the winter time and all the snow! And... hope all our hard work planting those bulbs pays off :-)

Big Hugs from Izzy and Tom xxx

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

19/09/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Isabel & Thomas)

Dear Izzy and Tom, it was great having you this summer! We had a very good time with you guys, enjoying your help, friendliness, conversations and many more. We very much appreciated your positive view on life, your broad interest in things and your knowledge of growing organic veggies! Also your playing and patience with the kids (esp Izzy… read more reading books for the kids while everybody was resting from the festival!) Hope to share something in the future again! hugs from Cas, Anne, Mels and Pip

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

25/11/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Patrick & Alice)

It was lovely having you, Alice, mom of the harvest gang and Patrick quiet working presence and excellent photographer. Happy you enjoyed as much as we did your three weeks stay; your presence, work, cooking, eating, hugs and stories from the past! Happy travelling for the both of you couragious!

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

25/11/2013

Left by Workawayer (Patrick & Alice) for host

We spent three weeks on the farm during the harvest. It was wonderful to settle in and be part of the family. Since it was harvest time most of the work revolved around picking the flowers and pulling our the stigmas, but there were also other jobs that needed to be done. The setting was lovely and the people even lovelier. We truly enjoyed… read more our experience !

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

04/11/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Diana)

Dee is a great person to have around! As hard working as talkative sometimes :)! She will take every task you give her serious and without doubt. What she did for us (ao) is weeding, painting, fixing shelves on the wall, photographing our products for the website, harvesting carrots and lots more. Curious, helping, open minded! Thank you Dee it… read more was a pleasure working and living with you, let's meet again one day!!

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

01/11/2013

Left by Workawayer (Diana) for host

My experience workaway-ing on this beautiful saffron farm is one I will never forget. This is a great place to come and really immerse yourself in the lifestyle, learn about organic farming, enjoy the bountiful delicious food and share the home and lives of a wonderful family. Definitely best to be able to really live in the moment and enjoy the… read more experience. This is a place where you will work hard, play hard and live alot!
Anne, Caspar, Pipa and Mels - Thank-you so much for having me in your home. I hope the harvest is going well & keep in touch! Xx Dee

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

25/09/2013

Left by Workawayer (André & José) for host

Working with Anne and Caspar was a wonderful experience. I stayed there for a month during the summer, perfect time if you want to enjoy good weather and don't mind the heat. This hilly region of Le Marche is beautiful and the farm is no exception.
Their lyfestyle is a blend of rural Italian and Dutch, which just makes everything better… read more (particularly the feast-of-the-gods that is every meal). The whole family is very honest and easygoing, making it easy to feel like home. Plus, they are very nature-oriented, so come eager to learn from them and to teach as well.
The work may be tiring or demanding at times, but being in the fields, in direct contact with nature, usually accompanied by fellow (chatty) humans will make you forget about that. Also, Anne and Caspar are very supportive and considerate about your skills and needs: they will give you the chance to adjust the work and the routine to suit you better. They are also inclusive and will take you into account in their plans - as I said, part of the family.
I didn't expect to enjoy being in a farm so much, so even if you don't consider yourself to be a countryside type of person, do give it a try. If you are coming to Italy this is the place for you.
Saluti a Anne, Caspar, Mels e Filippa e buona fortuna a tutti!

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

31/07/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (André & José)

We were very happy to receive Andre in our family, he is a very special person with his particular own ways but in a good way. He was eager to work and learn and learned us a lot as well. Thank you Andre and hope to see you again! Keep the dream alive!

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

23/09/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Lauren)

Dear Lauren and Brad, thank you very much for helping us out this last month! It's been great having you around, as you feel reponsable and see what's needed to be done. We were more then confident to leave you at the farm alone for a couple days and were gladly suprised when we came back and saw the work that was done! Thank you for your… read more electronic skills Brad, maybe we could use them again!
Hope you manage to implement in life what you are passionate about when we spoke during our meals together. If you want any help or support, just leave a message. Let's meet again one day! abbracci da tutti noi!

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

09/05/2013

Left by Workawayer (Stephen & Owen) for host

Anne and Caspar are wonderful hosts! They are very kind and welcoming and work hard to make you feel at home. They also go out of their way to show you the area, as they took me out on several day trips to see the beautiful towns and landscapes of Le Marche.
As said in previous reviews, the work is varied, and its fun to be out in the saffron… read more fields under the Italian sun!
I had a great time in Rotella and really enjoyed playing with Mels and Filippa and exploring the beautiful Marche countryside!

Best of luck with the harvest this fall!
Stephen

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

08/12/2012

Left by Workawayer (Jessica & Greg) for host

We had a fantastic time with Anne, Caspar, Pipa and Mels, and were lucky enough to take part in their saffron harvest in October! They are incredibly dedicated and organized when it comes to hosting workaway-ers, and their saffron harvest was remarkable to experience. Each day was filled with lively meals, hard work, and constant exchange of… read more conversation and culture. We are still extremely nostalgic for the time we spent in Rotella, as it was definitely a highlight of our travels so far. Thank you once again for such a memorable stay!

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

08/12/2012

Left by Workawayer (Jessica & Greg) for host

We had a fantastic time with Anne, Caspar, Pipa and Mels, and were lucky enough to take part in their saffron harvest in October! They are incredibly dedicated and organized when it comes to hosting workaway-ers, and their saffron harvest was remarkable to experience. Each day was filled with lively meals, hard work, and constant exchange of… read more conversation and culture. We are still extremely nostalgic for the time we spent in Rotella, as it was definitely a highlight of our travels so far. Thank you once again for such a memorable stay!

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

08/12/2012

Left by Workawayer (Jessica & Greg) for host

We had a fantastic time with Anne, Caspar, Pipa and Mels, and were lucky enough to take part in their saffron harvest in October! They are incredibly dedicated and organized when it comes to hosting workaway-ers, and their saffron harvest was remarkable to experience. Each day was filled with lively meals, hard work, and constant exchange of… read more conversation and culture. We are still extremely nostalgic for the time we spent in Rotella, as it was definitely a highlight of our travels so far. Thank you once again for such a memorable stay!

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

27/11/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Aleksandra)

Aleks and her sister were a great help during our harvest period! Curious and helpfull, participating in cooking, playing with the kids but also going out on their own exploring the region in their own time. It was indeed like being one big family and you were great big sister/daughters! More importantly was the feeling of friendship amongst… read more eachother, thanks again for your helpfull presence. Ci revediamo a New York! Cas, Anne, Mels & Filippa

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

26/11/2012

Left by Workawayer (Aleksandra) for host

We had a wonderful time with our little saffron family in the beautiful Marche region! Work was a little exhausting and mind-numbing when harvest reached its peak, but we had plenty of time afterwards to explore the area and visit some wonderful sights. Anne and Caspar were great hosts and we enjoyed all of our shared lunches and candle-lit… read more suppers. They were always helpful, taught us a lot about the area and culture, and were very welcoming. Being surrounded by a lot of other helpers made the stay even better and it was great to be a part of a big family. Best of luck with everything and hope the harvest next year exceeds this one!! Hope to see you in the future and await Lo Zaff saffron on the shelves of New York supermarkets!

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

31/03/2012

Left by Workawayer (Jessica) for host

During the months of July and August I had the pleasure of meeting this family. Their kindness I will never forget! I had a fun opportunity to help this family move into their beautiful farm. I was their first workawayer and they were my first host family.

Their farm is located in the middle of the country surrounded by hills and fields of… read more fennel and sunflowers. Gorgeous! If you like architecture this area is a must. On top of the hill tops are 500 year old fortified towns that you would love to get lost in and just around the corner is another one. Festivals are common for that time year and a lot of fun. You will eat a lot of delicious organic food
and probably try a few new things. Buy the way, bring your bikinis and swimsuits. The beach is great and not far away!

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

21/03/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Alyssa & Justin)

Dearest Alyssa and Justin! And there we were! Thanks so much for your help, your company, the massages, songs, knitting and the chopped wood that kept us warm during snow! We are about to eat the peas and faves you planted, your welcome for pranzo! Un abbraccio forte di tutti noi! Cas, Anne, Mels and Filippa

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

17/02/2012

Left by Workawayer (Alyssa & Justin) for host

Anne, Caspar, Mels and Filippa - please forgive the delay in leaving feedback! We stayed with this wonderful family in October/November 2011, and had such a wonderful time.

Perhaps the best thing about this family is their eagerness to share their knowledge with you - we learned more than we ever expected to, and are grateful for everything!

We… read more hope that the peas and onions grow well, and that the woodshop continues to keep you all nice and warm. :)

Thank you for teaching us, the wonderful meals and the terrific company. We hope to see you again someday - maybe with the saffron in full bloom! Much love to you all.

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

07/11/2011

Left by host for Workawayer (Maurits)

Maurits is really a great guy to have arround! He helped us building a fence arround the saffron and he did a great job. He's very motivated and works hard. Also in the house and with the kids he's a great help. He's very flexible and relaxed and has an open mind. Thank you! And ci vediamo! Anne, Caspar, Mels and Filippa

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

17/10/2011

Left by Workawayer (Maurits) for host

I stayed with this lovely and positive minded family for three weeks in september and i enjoyed every day of it! Next to the beautiful landscape, the feeling of really contributing i really admire their open mindedness to me as a person. Furthermore they taught me a lot about Italian culture, cooking and life in general. Also the feeling of being… read more free to go and explore the surroundings at any time was very special.

Anne, Casper, Mels en Filippa, thanks again for your hospitality and with all my heart i wish you all the best in life,

Ciao,

Maurits

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

04/10/2011

Left by Workawayer (Nanneke & Riccardo ) for host

During the month of August we had the pleasure to stay and work with this family.
Wonderful experience in the countryside of Italy! A lot of variety in work like gardening, cooking, babysitting, shopping etc. Good place to learn or pick up the Italian language! We enjoyed good food, wine, company of the whole family and also chatting with local… read more people. If you are looking to stay in a typical Italian scenery with a young and energetic family, this is the place to be! We had a great time.
Do not forget to eat your "scarpetta".... ;)

Ci vediamo, for sure!
Nanneke and Riccardo

We only allow contact to Workawayers with active subscriptions.

(Excellent
)

30/09/2011

Left by host for Workawayer (Nanneke & Riccardo )

Nanneke and Riccardo are the best you can have! They are positive, hard workers, full of energy! We had a great time and had loads of work done while they were here. They helped out on the land as if never done anything else and were great to have arround in the house (great cooking, a joy for the kids!). Thank you and ci vediamo!